St. Joseph’s Indian School: Results in From Live-Streamed Powwow

(Chamberlain, S.D.) – On September 18, 2021, St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted its 45th Annual Powwow. Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 transmission, it was a closed-campus event, live-streamed to families and donors. The Chalk Hills Singers – the school’s traditional Lakota drum group – played much of the day with support from pre-recorded music. Families, donors and other visitors could not attend the annual event that drew more than 650 guests previous to the pandemic.

Despite the changes, many features of the spectacular annual event remained the same. The students’ excitement carried the day, the colorful regalia enhanced every dance move, and Uŋčí Makhá – Grandmother Earth – provided the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the smack-green of late summer grass and fair skies overhead. The day was a joyous celebration of connections to tradition, spirituality, Uŋčí Makhá and all humanity. Moreover, it was an experience of the students’ culture, which St. Joseph’s Indian School dedicates itself to supporting.

Powwow dance competition results:

• Grades 1, 2 and 3 Boys’ Traditional: Misun Wamniyamni Monje (1), Caleb Farmer (2), Kayden Kirkie (3). Patrick Big Eagle (4)
• Grades 1, 2 and 3 Boys’ Grass: Jayden Munoz (1), Chantz Middletent (2), Roman Bear Heels (3), Angelo “Isaiah” Black Moon (4), Lennex Provancial (5), William Sazue (6)
• Grades 1, 2 and 3 Girls’ Traditional: Dominique Bear Heels (1)
• Grades 1, 2 and 3 Girls’ Jingle: Marlena Blaine (1), Roberta Colombe (2), Bresayus Day (3), K’AnndieLove Chasing Hawk (4), Antonia “Sophia” Black Moon (5)
• Grades 1, 2 and 3 Girls’ Fancy: Jaylena Blaine (1), Josephine Sazue (2), Doris Farmer (3), Isabella Peneaux (4), Rihannah Bordeaux (5), Jariah Packard (6)
• Grades 4, 5 and 6 Boys’ Traditional: Romeo Roubideaux (1), Hehaka Wambli “Tristan” Black Lance (2), Blayze LaRoche (3), Zenneth Driving Hawk (4), Tyson Naser (5)
• Grades 4, 5 and 6 Boys’ Grass: Tysin Cournoyer (1), Brayden Thunder Shield (2), Tywin Grassrope (3), Leonard “Yamni” Sharpfish (4), Braxton Drapeau (5), Alfred “Alex” Left Hand Bull (6)
• Grades 4, 5 and 6 Boys’ Fancy: Traevin Roubideaux (1), Gunner Big Crow (2), Caden Lopez (3), Watahkpe “Charges” Black Lance (4), Sevon Roubideaux (5)
• Grades 4, 5 and 6 Girls’ Jingle: Zuela Bernie (1), Chazlyn Middletent (2), Say’Dee Summers (3), Avayah Skunk (4), Kora Turkey (5), Marybella Archambeaux (6)
• Grades 4, 5 and 6 Girls’ Fancy: Trinity Kills Crow (1), Alayna Wilson (2), Kayley Cournoyer (3), LaKora Mills (4), Giselle Prue (5), Kayleigha Carpenter (6)
• Grades 7 through 12 Boys’ Fancy:  Wawokiye “Oyate” Monje (1)
• Grades 7 through 12 Girls’ Traditional: Emilia Provancial (1), LaShanti Marshall (2) 
• Grades 7 through 12 Girls’ Jingle: Josette Pretty Sounding Flute (1), Jade Cedar Face (2), Sunni Langdeau (3), Makaia Hurley (4), Ma Laina His Law (5)
• Grades 7 through 12 Girls’ Fancy: Diamond Left Hand Bull (1), Consuelo Summers (2), Lavella Kills Crow (3), Angelina Roubideaux (4), Kaylee Summers (5), Amelia La Pointe (6)

More Than 220 Native American students in first through twelfth grade find hope and opportunity through our educational, counseling, and residential programs. Strengthened by spirituality and culture, St. Joseph’s Indian School, a member of the American Indian Catholic Schools Network, transforms lives—mind, body, heart and spirit—every day. Visit us at www.sjiskids.org and www.stjo.org.